Govt committed to provide all possible help to cancer patients: Sakeena Itoo

Jammu, Feb 4: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, Tuesday remarked that the present Government led by Omar Abdullah is committed to provide all possible assistance to Cancer patients with creation of best advanced facilities in both the State Cancer Institutes at Jammu and Srinagar.
The Minister made these remarks while addressing a daylong conference “Mission Cancer – J&K’s Fight Against Cancer in the coming Decade” at Government Medical College here.
The conference was organised by GMC Jammu in collaboration with ‘BCPBF-The Cancer Foundation’ and ‘Friends of GMC Jammu’, to commemorate the World Cancer day.
Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Farooq Abdullah; Secretary Health and Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah; Director SKIMS, Dr. Ashraf Ganai; Principal GMC Jammu, Dr. Ashotush Gupta; noted Oncologist of J&K, Dr. Sameer Kaul; Director ASCOMS Jammu, Deans of different specialities, HoDs, doctors and researchers besides large number of medical and paramedical students were present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Sakeena Itoo emphasised the urgent need for a multi-faceted approach to tackle the rising incidences of cancer in Jammu and Kashmir. She highlighted the significance of early detection, advanced treatment infrastructure and public awareness, in reducing the burden of cancer.
“Cancer is not just a medical challenge; it is a social and economic crisis that affects thousands of families across J&K. We must work collectively to enhance screening programs, promote preventive healthcare, and ensure equitable access to modern treatment facilities across urban and rural areas for all patients,” Sakeena maintained.
She also lauded the efforts of healthcare professionals, doctors and paramedics, acknowledging their role in changing the healthcare landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. She called for greater government support, increased funding for cancer research and expansion of palliative care services.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Farooq Abdullah spoke about the role of medical professionals for the society. He highlighted that the medical is very noble profession which touches numerous lives.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Health and Medical Education, spoke in length about the effect on families going through the burden of cancer. He also called for organising maximum awareness camps in schools and colleges so that people are made abreast about the cancer disease and myths associated with it.
Noted Oncologist, Dr. Sameer Kaul, while speaking on the occasion, spoke about importance of organising such kind of conferences. He highlighted the need for research and development in medical Colleges for the greater good of society.
Principal GMC, in his welcome address, gave a brief about the evolution of GMC Jammu.
The conference saw insightful deliberations on early diagnosis, role of technology in cancer care, government initiatives and J&K’s cancer policy.